COMSTOCK PARK, MI – Jeff McVaney connected on a two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning, delivering a 6-5 win for the West Michigan Whitecaps Tuesday night over the Loons.
The Loons took a one-run lead into the bottom of the ninth inning following a tiebreaking solo home run in the top of the frame by Tyler Ogle, his first homer with the Loons.
But in the bottom of the ninth inning, Matt Shelton relieved Danny Coulombe and with one out walked Aaron Westlake. One batter later, McVaney’s blast sent his teammates and 7,684 fans at Fifth Third Ballpark on 10-cent hot dog night into a frenzy.
It was the second time a Loons’ lead was squashed by a West Michigan home run. In the top of the seventh inning, Nick Akins broke a 3-3 tie with a deep home run off the scoreboard in left field. The very next pitch by Slade Smith soared over the head of Ogle. Both benches were warned by Smith wasn’t ejected. John Shoemaker protested that Smith’s actions warranted banishment, but instead Shoemaker was tossed by plate umpire Jeff Andrews.
But in the bottom of the seventh, Westlake tied the score with a solo homer to straight-away center field.
Shelton (2-5) recorded the loss and a blown save. Will Clinard (1-1), who surrendered Ogle’s homer, was the beneficiary of West Michigan’s comeback and notched the victory.
Duke von Schamann started for the Loons and was charged with three runs over five innings for a no-decision. Amalio Diaz allowed a run in two innings in his Loons debut. Coulombe escaped a bases-loaded, one-out jam in his lone inning.
Ogle and Darnell Sweeney had two hits each for the Loons. Sweeney scored twice.
According to the Whitecaps, over 12,000 hot dogs were sold during the game.
The Loons (24-33 second half, 58-69 overall) begin a three-game series with the Lansing Lugnuts and a seven-game homestand at Dow Diamond Wednesday night. Game time is 7:05pm. The game features an appearance by four-time Stanley Cup champion Kris Draper on a MidMichigan Health Red Wings Legends Series Night. Tickets are available by calling 989-837-BALL or online at Loons.com.
Right-handed pitcher Arismendy Ozoria (8-7, 4.43 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Loons against Lansing lefty Justin Nicolino (8-4, 2.63).
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